Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - With the title "Ethical and spiritual renewal before the crisis", the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela has published a pastoral exhortation articulated in 24 points that invites Christians to reflect on the serious situation of the country.
The first points is an analysis of the year 2014: political and social unrest that caused 43 victims and thousands of prisoners, the result of violence and repression; dialogue stopped at the early stages; the anguish of the poor who suffer the crisis. The cause is to be found in the totalitarian system chosen that goes against the freedom and rights of citizens.
To get out of this situation the Bishops propose "dialogue once again, but with respect for the political pluralism that exists in Venezuela". Therefore a number of considerations: "It is the moment for responsibility and non-violence" (n.11). "Venezuela needs a new entrepreneurial spirit with audacity and creativity" (n. 16). "To achieve social renewal it is necessary for all to promote and strongly support family communion" (n. 18).
The document also highlights that "the serious crisis we face in Venezuela reveals a more profound situation: a moral crisis of values, attitudes, motivations and behaviors that must be corrected" (n. 19). Therefore the call to coherence on behalf of Christians: "We cannot believe in God and act as we want. We must reject injustice, corruption and violence as moral evils that destroy the country and live according to the plan of the Kingdom of God"(n. 21).
The Bishops' conclusion: "This dramatic analysis stems from our closeness to the people who suffer and the pastoral mission that drives us to be promoters of human dignity and peace" (n. 22).
(CE) (Agenzia Fides 13/01/2015)
